Top 5 Reasons Why Indian CA Students Are Opting for ACCA as Their Second Qualification
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
If you are a holder of a CA qualification and you are hearing other CAs talk about “doing ACCA next," it is not a trend you are imagining. The number of Indian CAs who are actually adding ACCA to their résumés is increasing, and it is not arbitrary. There are practical, good reasons for this trend.
Let’s look at the top five.
1. ACCA Opens Doors That CA Alone Cannot
The truth is, your CA from ICAI is highly respected in India. But it lacks much formal recognition outside of India.
ACCA is recognized in more than 180 countries. If you’re planning to move to the UK, UAE, Singapore, Canada, or Australia, ACCA is the credential that actually gets you taken seriously in those markets. In those markets, ACCA is the credential that actually earns you respect.
The Middle East has a giant demand for finance professionals who are ACCA qualified, especially in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. If you ever want to move internationally, having both CA and ACCA makes that path realistic.
2. You Don’t Need 9 Papers – Here’s the Real Game-Changer
And this is why most CAs actually do it.
If you are CA (ICAI) qualified, ACCA will exempt you from all 9 Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers. That’s a significant saving—that's most of the ACCA qualification already done, thanks to your CA background.
What remains? Just the 4 strategic professional papers—Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), and two optional papers of your choice.
Hence, most CA professionals complete the entire ACCA qualification in just 18-24 months while studying part-time alongside their jobs. That’s really fast for a second global qualification.
3. The Big 4 and MNCs actively favour this mix.
This qualification is not a "nice to have" anymore. The Big 4 firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—are now giving more preference to candidates with both CA and ACCA.
Why? Being dual qualified makes it so much easier to move around within the Big 4’s global network. And if you want to move to another country office later, having ACCA + CA makes that conversation a lot easier.
This is how MNCs think. They are looking for professionals who understand Indian statutory requirements in depth—that is, your CA—but also speak international financial reporting standards; that is what ACCA adds. This combination is particularly valued in roles that report to global finance leadership.
4. ACCA Exposes You Way Deeper To IFRS
Indian accounting is moving towards IFRS through Ind AS, but it is not the full picture; it is still a transition. The ACCA curriculum provides a far more structured and comprehensive education in IFRS itself.
The SBR and FR papers are the ones that take you through the full IFRS framework properly, not the Indian adaptation of it. If your work includes global group consolidations, IFRS reporting, or advising on complex international accounting treatments, this depth really matters. This isn’t just a credential; it’s actual technical skills that you’ll use.
5. The Combination Sends a Strong Message to the Employers
Aside from the technical knowledge, ACCA offers access to a truly large global network—chapters in over 180 countries, plus solid CPD resources to keep building your knowledge over time.
But perhaps more important than the network itself is what holding both qualifications signals. CA plus ACCA says to a global employer: this person has mastered the high local standard in India, and they are fluent in international finance. That combination on a resume is impossible to ignore.
So—Is Doing ACCA After CA Really Worth It?
Yes, for most CAs looking at international roles—Big 4 mobility or MNC finance leadership tracks. International recognition, a fast-tracked 18-24 month timeline due to exemptions, hiring preference at Big 4s and MNCs, and a global network all combine to make a strong case.
If your career plans are to stay entirely domestic and India-focused in the long run, the calculation becomes more personal—but for anybody even thinking of a global path, this combination consistently makes sense.
FAQs
Q1. Is it really worth adding ACCA after CA?
Yes, for most pros. The combo gives you international recognition in 180+ countries, a fast-tracked path through 9 paper exemptions, stronger hiring preference at Big 4 & MNCs, and access to a large global professional network. This is particularly useful if you’re targeting international roles or Big 4 mobility.
Q2. How many years does it take for a CA to complete the ACCA?
Most CA professionals complete the remaining four strategic professional papers in 18 to 24 months, often while working full-time. With a CA (ICAI) qualification, you are exempt from all 9 Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers, and only SBL, SBR, and two optional papers need to be cleared.
Q3. Which ACCA papers does a CA still need to clear?
A CA (ICAI)-qualified person has to pass 4 strategic professional papers—Strategic Business Leader (SBL), Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), and two optional papers from the list available. No applied knowledge or applied skills papers are required.
Q4. Why do Big 4 firms prefer candidates with both CA and ACCA?
The Big 4 firms like this mix because it makes moving around the world within their network much easier. A dual-qualified professional is conversant with international financial reporting standards through ACCA and well-versed in Indian statutory requirements through CA, which is useful for cross-border roles and work with international clients.
Q5. Is ACCA useful for a CA who is going to work in the Middle East?
Oh yes, very much. The Middle East, in particular the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, has a high demand for finance professionals who are qualified to the ACCA level. If you are an Indian CA looking to work in this region, then ACCA will enhance your profile and create opportunities that a CA qualification alone may not.
